A few questions about Stephen Colbert's move to CBS

Saturday

Apr 12, 2014 at 12:01 AM

CBS naming Stephen Colbert as David Letterman's replacement on "The Late Show" isn't too surprising. There were only so many plausible candidates (among talk show hosts, comedians, actors and raunchy E! personalities) who could take Letterman's place when he exits the long-running show next year. Letterman changed the late-night TV game between his run on NBC's "Late Night" and starting the "Late Show" franchise in 1993. And while it's tough to replace a pop-culture icon, Colbert, in terms of pedigree and sense of humor, makes the most sense.

Emily Yahr

CBS naming Stephen Colbert as David Letterman's replacement on "The Late Show" isn't too surprising. There were only so many plausible candidates (among talk show hosts, comedians, actors and raunchy E! personalities) who could take Letterman's place when he exits the long-running show next year. Letterman changed the late-night TV game between his run on NBC's "Late Night" and starting the "Late Show" franchise in 1993. And while it's tough to replace a pop-culture icon, Colbert, in terms of pedigree and sense of humor, makes the most sense.

"We've had the smartest guy in late night for many years, and replacing Dave was no small feat," CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler told Broadcasting & Cable. "We feel that Stephen really respects Dave's legacy."

In the aftermath of CBS' announcement Thursday, there are so many questions — especially given Colbert's own legacy with the character he created on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report." (In a statement that wished Colbert the best, Comedy Central officials indicated that the show will wrap up near the end of the year.) As far as the new "Late Show," CBS said "specific creative elements" - location, producers and a writing staff - will be announced later.

Here are some of the bigger questions lingering as the next big late-night shuffle looms.

1) How will Colbert play on CBS vs. Comedy Central?

It's hard to tell how the mainstream audience will feel — but in a lot of ways, Colbert is similar to Letterman, with his self-deprecating, biting sensibility. That could play well among Letterman fans. However, it's difficult to predict, because most of the late-night audience probably only knows Colbert from "The Colbert Report," playing the fake, ultra-right-wing cable-news host. Or, as he first described the character to The New York Times in 2005: "He's a well-intentioned, poorly informed, high-status idiot." Obviously, Colbert will just be himself on "The Late Show." But can late-night viewers separate the two? As we just saw with the CancelColbert controversy — people were outraged when a joke on the show was presented out-of-context on Twitter — some people still don't get that Colbert's Comedy Central persona is satire.

2) So is this definitely the end of the character?

Yes. When "The Colbert Report" signs off, we will bid the bogus, often-outraged anchorman goodbye. "I won't be doing the new show in character, so we'll all get to find out how much of him was me," Colbert said in a statement via CBS. "I'm looking forward to it."

3) How much say did Letterman have in selecting Colbert?

Letterman and his production company own "The Late Show," but Variety reports that once he leaves, CBS will assume ownership. So Letterman didn't necessarily have to sign off on his replacement, although CBS execs have said that he was involved in the process. Letterman released a goofy statement about it, just to be supportive: "Stephen has always been a real friend to me. I'm very excited for him, and I'm flattered that CBS chose him. I also happen to know they wanted another guy with glasses."

4) Who will replace Colbert on Comedy Central?

There's still that long list of possible Letterman replacements — though that probably will get shorter, because Comedy Central looks for a certain kind of personality. E!'s Chelsea Handler makes the most sense, as she reportedly wants out of her current show — but that rumor could just be a negotiating strategy. Either way, Handler's wild personality would be a logical fit for Comedy Central's younger audience.

5) Who will be in Colbert's band?

That is one huge mystery. Almost all late-night shows feature a band, and they've become more hip lately, with the Roots accompanying Jimmy Fallon and Fred Armisen leading Seth Meyers' "Late Night" band. Colbert is musically talented — he did a stint on Broadway in Stephen Sondheim's "Company" and sings on his occasional Christmas specials. Elvis Costello is one of his favorites and a frequent musical guest, but Costello as late-night bandleader seems highly unlikely.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.